razzle-dazzle

noun

raz·​zle-daz·​zle ˌra-zəl-ˈda-zəl How to pronounce razzle-dazzle (audio)
1
: a state of confusion or hilarity
2
: a complex maneuver (as in sports) designed to confuse an opponent
3
: a confusing or colorful often gaudy action or display
razzle-dazzle adjective

Examples of razzle-dazzle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The live jump into the Stade de France was unremarkable for an event that had performers dropping from great heights all evening, and the prerecorded leap out of an airplane into Los Angeles didn’t quite have the razzle-dazzle of what he’s done in movies like Mission: Impossible — Fallout. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2024 Everyone’s version of razzle-dazzle varies—luckily, there are party dresses for every occasion, dress code, and personal style ethos. Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 3 Oct. 2024 Nirenberg and Quintanilla gave the crowd the ol' razzle-dazzle in this year's installment with a tap dance-style choreography alongside cheerleaders from Our Lady of the Lake University. Madalyn Mendoza, Axios, 1 Oct. 2024 Conceived by production designer Nathan Crowley, the sets nimbly subvert the familiar with the fantastical—layering architectural homages, narrative touchstones, and cinematic razzle-dazzle into an expansive magical realm. Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for razzle-dazzle 

Word History

Etymology

reduplication of dazzle

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of razzle-dazzle was in 1885

Dictionary Entries Near razzle-dazzle

Cite this Entry

“Razzle-dazzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/razzle-dazzle. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

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